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January 2025
Your Trusted Advisor Zihmer Law Firm
YOUR 2025 RESOLUTION FOR PEACE OF MIND Create or Update Your Estate Plan
With a new year upon us, many people set goals to improve their lives — from hitting the gym to eating healthier. While estate planning might not seem as exciting, it’s one of the most meaningful resolutions you can make (and one of the most common we see). The start of a new year is the perfect time to review, update, or even create an estate plan that secures your family’s future and aligns with your goals for 2025. Include Estate Planning in Your New Year’s Goals Estate planning offers peace of mind by ensuring your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. It can minimize legal complications, reduce taxes, and make the process easier for your family during difficult times. And keeping your financial and legal affairs in order is just as important to your long-term wellness as your fitness goals. When to Update Your Estate Plan Certain life events may trigger the need for an estate plan review, especially if any of these changes happened in the past year: • New Additions to the Family: Did you welcome a new child or grandchild? Ensure they are properly included in your estate plan. • Loss of a Loved One: If someone named in your plan has passed away, you may need to update your beneficiaries, executor, or trustee. • Asset Changes: Did you acquire significant assets like a home, investment property, or business? Make sure these are accounted for in your estate plan. • Title Changes: Should you adjust the title of assets to reflect ownership changes or simplify the transfer process? If so, your plan will need to reflect these changes. • Shifts in Family Dynamics: Family relationships can change over time. If you’ve experienced family conflicts and want to change who holds power of attorney or is named as
guardian, it’s wise to update your plan. • Changes in Health or Medical Needs: If you or a loved one has experienced significant health changes, consider updating your plan to reflect new care preferences, guardianships, or medical power of attorney designations. Take Action Now While estate planning might not be the first thing that comes to mind when setting big plans for 2025, it should be an important part of your goals for the year. Start the year with a fresh outlook and ensure your legacy is protected. Whether you’re updating an existing plan or starting from scratch, taking action now can save your family time, money, and stress in the future. Make estate planning a priority this year — because securing your family’s future is one of the best resolutions you can make for 2025! Happy New Year!
Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year! May 2025 bring you joy, success, and memorable moments with loved ones. Here’s to new beginnings, exciting opportunities, and achieving your goals.
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRUST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
The Silent Healer Meet the Boxer Who Changes Lives
At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways.
walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced
The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans.
Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats.
“As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.” Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people’s therapeutic treatment. “I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open-minded as a dog can be.”
Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled
Originally found in a shelter in Coachella,
by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with
California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. After bringing
helping her clients find greater joy and comfort.
“Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS-produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.”
Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in
you purchase a policy, the better, as premiums increase the older you get.
Plan for Your Golden Years Now SMART ASSET PROTECTION TIPS WHEN CONSIDERING NURSING HOME COSTS
Medicaid-Compliant Annuity Medicaid is typically for low-income individuals; therefore, their assets can’t exceed Medicaid’s limit. If you want to qualify for Medicaid, a Medicaid- compliant annuity turns your assets into monthly income payments, reducing their value without sacrificing (spending down) your money. Irrevocable Trust An Irrevocable Trust protects your assets against nursing home costs for designated beneficiaries. When establishing an Irrevocable Trust, you no longer control your assets. They are managed by a trustee who can distribute the funds according to the terms of the trust. If you have questions or concerns about nursing home costs, Medicaid, and the laws surrounding them, contact Zihmer Law Firm today to book your free discovery call.
As we age, it’s natural to start thinking about the future and making the best financial decisions for our end-of-life care. To shore up plans for the last stages of your life, protecting your assets and legacy is key to creating a stable future for you and your loved ones. This type of forward-thinking may come in the form of familiarizing yourself with nursing home costs and Medicaid. Why Understanding Your Financial Security Important According to the National Council on Aging, the monthly median cost of nursing home care in the U.S. is around $8,669 for a shared room and $9,733
for a private room. These prices are expected to rise in the coming years. And while many people rely on Medicaid benefits for long-term care, the insurance program has strict asset eligibility limits, forcing you to “spend down” your assets to meet the requirements. Take the following tips into consideration to protect your assets from nursing home care costs. Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance LTC insurance is an excellent form of income to cover nursing home costs without draining your assets. As with any insurance policy, policyholders have to pay a monthly premium. The sooner
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Explore Pittsburgh’s Winter Wonderland FUN COLD-WEATHER ACTIVITIES ALL AGES WILL ENJOY
Penguins on Parade at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium As the seasons change in Pittsburgh, so does the landscape of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. With the colder-climate animals being more active, the zoo hosts Penguins on Parade every weekend at 11:30 a.m. through the end of February! Spectators can line up along the aquarium pathway and watch in amazement as these well-dressed birds “strut their stuff.” If you want a personalized, behind-the-scenes experience with the penguins, you can purchase Grand Marshal tickets, separate from admission prices. Take in the Breathtaking Views of Pittsburgh’s Skyline If you’ve lived in Pittsburgh long enough, it’s easy to forget about some of the city’s “forgotten” gems, such as views of Pittsburgh’s skyline in the quiet of winter. The skyline and view of the rivers are gorgeous from Grandview Avenue, the West End Overlook, and the Duquesne Incline on Mount Washington.
Pittsburgh’s outdoor scene is breathtaking all season long, but especially in the winter. With its rolling hills and stunning riverfront views, there are numerous ways to experience this exhilarating city. However, for those wishing to stay warm, there are other ways to enjoy the cold weather without any potential pitfalls. Here’s your quick guide to 2025 cold‑weather activities. Cinema in the Snow at Dependable Drive-In How long has it been since you’ve been to a drive-in movie? Dependable Drive-In Theater is here to bring back all the nostalgia and offer this “outside but inside” loophole. Located just west of Pittsburgh near the Pittsburgh International Airport, this drive-in theater is the last of its kind in Allegheny County, offering year-round showings. So, be sure to pack extra blankets and make room for snacks while you enjoy the great outdoors, nestled inside your warm car, watching your favorite films!
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Citrus-Herb Pork Roast Directions 1. Cut roast in half. In a small bowl,
Ingredients • 1 boneless pork sirloin roast (3–4 pounds)
combine oregano, ginger, and pepper; rub over pork. In a large skillet coated with oil, brown roast on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker; add onions. 2. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup orange
• 2 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp pepper • 2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges • 1 cup plus 3 tbsp orange juice, divided • 1 tbsp sugar • 1 tbsp grapefruit juice • 1 tbsp steak sauce • 1 tbsp reduced- sodium soy sauce • 1 tsp grated orange zest • 1 tsp salt • 3 tbsp cornstarch • Egg noodles, cooked
juice, sugar, grapefruit juice, steak sauce, and soy sauce; pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat and onions to a platter.
Take a Break
3. Transfer cooking juices to a small saucepan. Add orange zest and salt.
Bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and remaining orange juice. Gradually stir into the pan for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pork and noodles.
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3244 Washington Rd., Ste. 210, McMurray, PA 15317 | 412-223-2525 | ZihmerLaw.com
Inside 1
Make 2025 Your Year of Preparedness
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A Deaf Dog’s Remarkable Journey Understanding Costs of Nursing Homes and Medicaid
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Enjoy Winter in Pittsburgh — No, Really! Citrus-Herb Pork Roast
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The Power of Planning Something to Look Forward To
Why Small Plans Can Make a Big Difference THE HAPPINESS HACK
When life feels overwhelming, or you just aren’t feeling your best, it can be difficult to find hope or joy. Sometimes, the best medicine is a little self-care in the form of simple activities and treats that you enjoy most. One of the best ways to boost your mood is by planning something to look forward to. Whether it’s a favorite movie, a new painting class, or a tasty latte, prioritizing things that bring us happiness can empower us with hope. It’s like adding a bright spot in the future, making the tough days more manageable. What do you love? Your plan doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Start by identifying activities that make you happy or that interest you. Do you love comedy movies or enjoy going to concerts? You might sign up for
an improv class or buy tickets to see a play. It can be anything that brings a smile to your face. Plan it. Once you know the activity, start planning. Our busy lives sometimes lack time for the little things that make us feel good. Treat your happiness like a necessary appointment and get it on your calendar. Spending time with your loved ones and friends also has a wealth of benefits for your mental health, so decide whether you want someone to join you. By planning to do things that bring you joy, you’ll feel more hopeful, balanced, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
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